As President, Digital Innovation at Hero Media Inc., my focus has been on crafting powerful stories and tag-lines to promote inclusivity and offer a broader perspective of the Black experience, while also helping advertisers find culture-forward ideas that align with their brand narratives. It’s a recognition that we are not monolithic; hence, we must amplify every facet of our identity in the content we create and the way I show up as President.

Our dedication extends to showcasing the multifaceted nature of Black culture.

Our upcoming projects in 2024 will emphasize the broad spectrum of what our community has to offer. We are emphasizing our commitment to ensuring that no facet of our identity is concealed.

I believe in a multi-pronged approach to effecting change. Drawing parallels with my previous role as CEO of digitalundivided, transforming the non-profit into an innovative social impact organization, I know the value of creating approaches that become a triple threat teaching the valuable lesson—applying pressure on multiple fronts simultaneously. Now, in the advertising, media, marketing, and communications industries, I’m adopting a similar ethos and utilizing my proven approach – embracing complexity and applying continuous pressure, backed by data and insights, for meaningful change.

Reflecting on my childhood, these conversations about our identity, once confined within our homes, now demand a shift. It’s time to make these dialogues the norm. Embracing the complexity of doing it all, we stand ready at Hero Media Inc. to redefine the narrative for a more inclusive future in media and advertising.

Our commitment is our mantra at Hero Media Inc., not choosing one over the other but embracing both simultaneously to deliver culture and performance at scale. As we navigate the challenges of the industry, we stand ready to redefine the narrative, craft influential and impactful content, and continue our journey towards a more inclusive media landscape.

Here’s to changing what’s on our screens and showing the fullness of inclusivity,

-Lauren Maillian, President, Digital Innovation